Acne treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome. Cystic acne (blackheads, acne): causes, treatment

Cystic acne is a severe form of acne in which the skin's pores become blocked, leading to infection and inflammation. This disease mainly affects the face and chin, but also often occurs in the upper chest, neck and shoulders.

The skin has sebaceous glands that secrete an oily substance called sebum. Sebum secretion is necessary and helps protect hair follicles and skin, but its overproduction along with excessive growth skin cells can lead to clogged pores. This creates ideal conditions for the growth of bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes, which is found on the skin.

Regular comedones with white or black heads are called non-inflammatory acne. But if comedones become infected and inflamed, papules, pustules, nodules or cysts may develop.

• Papules occur when P. acnes bacteria cause irritation hair follicles.
• Pustules occur when P. acnes causes inflammation of the hair follicles with noticeable redness and swelling.
• Cysts form when inflammation causes rupture, which can also be caused by squeezing or harsh scrubbing (scrubs, etc.). The rupture can cause inflammation to spread, forming deeper, heavier, and more painful cysts on the skin.

Signs and symptoms of cystic acne

Acne causes symptoms familiar to everyone - small or large lesions on the skin. Cystic acne is even more noticeable as it is the most severe form and can lead to scarring. Before this, redness, itching, inflammation, and soreness may occur.

Except visible symptoms, cystic acne affects self-esteem and can cause a lot of stress, especially in women.

CYSTIC ACNE: CAUSES OF APPEARANCE

1. Steroid injections for signs of scarring

An injection of a corticosteroid (triamcinolone) can prevent scarring. This treatment is carried out by a dermatologist. After the injection, short-term local side effects may appear.

The doctor may also suggest incision and drainage of large cysts, but performing such a procedure on your own is highly discouraged - this can cause a deep infection and lead to serious scarring.

How to Avoid Cystic Acne

• Don't wash your face more than twice a day. Use soft detergent and warm water.
• Do not wipe or rub inflamed skin with a hard towel.
• With existing skin rashes Avoid aggressive abrasives and astringents, scrubs, soaps with cleansing granules and exfoliating particles.
• Do not pick or squeeze pimples.
• Don't wear heavy makeup, choose water-based, non-comedogenic products, avoid makeup with a lot of oil, and always remove makeup before bed.

Hi all.

I haven’t written anything here for three years, but I can’t help but ask those who are experiencing similar problems like me, so I’ll create a topic.

In general, the standard scheme: I was 22 years old, suddenly there were some acne on my cheeks, oh oh, we run to the gynecologist - polycystic disease, take COCs.

At first I took Yarina (all according to the doctor, of course, not from the bullshit), which gave me migraines, then I quit because I didn’t understand how it helps to “treat”? (And the doctor said to drink until you plan a pregnancy (as usual, it’s natural)

In the same way, after the break I was showered even more severely, the picture in the mirror became completely ugly, I treated it in all ways with the help of a dermatologist. All kinds of peelings, masks, ointments and medications. (hundreds of thousands of billions of rubles were spent on this crap, hysteria, I really can’t go out and throw away the trash, tears, but to hell with it) The acne did not go away. I returned to the gynecologist, they prescribed Diana-35, from which the side effects were even worse than with Yarin. My legs were pulling, and since I drank at the same time in the evening, before going to bed I had a constant feeling of suffocation, which caused outright panic. After three months of my “patience” I was told to switch to Jess. By this time, of course, all the pimples have disappeared, the cycle is normal, I take it diligently, but after two months I already see - oops, a capillary on my nose has burst, first one, then a second, then bam, again this migraine is even stronger, and I’m at work I sit and endure it. On some days, the feeling of heaviness in my legs moved from one point to another, making it difficult to do normal routine tasks.

I’ve already re-read all the articles here, I tried to comprehend every comment, everything is wonderfully written, I understand everything and how, I’ve been to 10 doctors, they all tell me different crap, one means against COCs, the second is for COCs (be patient and drink, on top of you Phlebodia for veins and go for a walk Vasya) but I didn’t find any information from one comment - DO I really need to take this crap for life now? I want to study, I’m still far from having children (I think), I have ambitions, explain if someone has already understood everything.

Now I have stopped drinking Jess, these protruding veins on my face seem to me to be clearly too much, shouldn’t I continue to drink them with a calm look?

Now I'm afraid that all the ugly Akneshechki will come to the clearing again and hang out. Maybe the damn thing won't come back? how was it for anyone?

Thanks in advance for any advice and kind word. (thanks for the bad word, too, because I understand that the topic is very hackneyed)

P.S. I took absolutely all the tests, did an ultrasound, donated blood for hormones, everything was as it should be

Polycystic ovary syndrome is classified as a disease of the female reproductive system. This pathology is characterized by changes in the structure of the ovaries - paired sex glands, as a result of which benign multiple polycystic neoplasms appear in their structure, which ultimately leads to functional disorders.

The disease occurs against the background of deviations from the norm in the metabolic processes occurring in these glands and is associated with a disorder hormonal function. Polycystic ovary syndrome, a photo of which can be seen at a gynecologist or on Internet sites, gets its name from the type of ovaries.

Their sizes are increased due to the formation in their tissues of a large number of small bubbles (cysts), filled with liquid contents, containing immature eggs. New growths can be single or fused forms that look like bizarre clusters.

The proliferation of cystic neoplasms does not allow maturation dominant follicle, which leads to a lack of ovulation and the woman experiences difficulty trying to get pregnant.

Experts do not have a consensus on the causes of the disease, but they divide it into primary and secondary pathology. The symptoms of primary polycystic ovary syndrome occur when genetic predisposition, develop during puberty in girls, when the gonads form and their functional activity begins.

When collecting anamnesis, a hereditary predisposition is monitored when the mother could not bear pregnancy for a long time or her reproductive function suffered due to hormonal disorders. These abnormalities are passed on to the daughter in the form of primary polycystic disease, so the pathology can be called congenital. Among other reasons, the influence of the consequences of infections is suspected childhood, for example, mumps (“mumps”). Subsequently, an advanced form of polycystic ovary syndrome with a set of accompanying pathologies, which are quite difficult to treat. Therefore timely adequate treatment pathologies in adolescents is very important for the formation of a healthy reproductive system.

Secondary polycystic ovary syndrome develops after the formation of a function associated with cyclic menstruation. It is not considered an independent disease, since it has a number of manifestations, for which there is the term PCOS or polycystic ovary syndrome. This is a combination of pathologies in the form of various disorders due to complicated pregnancy or postpartum period, as a result of stress or injury. Mechanism pathological process involves a wide area of ​​the reproductive and endocrine systems, as a result of which, in addition to problems with ovulation, there are a number of other disorders in the functioning of the female body.

Changes in hormonal balance are characteristic: the levels of female (estrogen and progesterone) and male (androgens) hormones deviate from the norm. This leads to changes in the structure of the hormone-dependent ovarian tissue, their thickening occurs outer shell, follicles with eggs do not rupture, but grow, turning into cysts.

Causes

The true causes of polycystic ovary syndrome have not been reliably established, but its symptoms vary in variety. The main problem is difficulties with ovulation, that is, with the release of a mature egg from the ovarian follicles.

Experts name a number of factors that primarily contribute to the development of pathology:

• Abnormal functioning of hormone-producing glands. The pathology occurs against the background of changes in the pituitary part of the brain, the hypothalamus, the thyroid gland, and the adrenal glands. For example, a neoplasm in the adrenal glands increases the synthesis of androgens.
• Increased levels of insulin produced by the pancreas. Due to decreased sensitivity to normal doses of insulin that control blood glucose levels (insulin resistance), the gland releases excess amounts into the bloodstream. Excess insulin stimulates an increase in the synthesis of androgens in the ovarian tissues, and this, in turn, causes a phenomenon that prevents the development of follicles and the release of eggs.
• Hormonal imbalances. When a woman’s body produces prolactin (a hormone that stimulates milk production by the mammary glands) and luteinizing hormone (synthesized in the ovaries) at a level above normal, and the level of globulin, which is associated with sex hormones, decreases, polycystic ovary syndrome appears.

The causes of polycystic ovary syndrome cannot be limited to hormonal abnormalities. Other factors influencing the development of pathology include:

• Overweight, severe obesity. Excess fat causes you to produce more insulin and PCOS symptoms are expressed more intensely.

• Chronic inflammation. Leukocytes, in response to inflammation, produce special substances. However, in people who have a certain degree of predisposition to inflammation, these substances can provoke a decrease in sensitivity to insulin, which leads to its excessive synthesis and the development of atherosclerosis due to gradual accumulation in the vessels circulatory system cholesterol. Statistically, PCOS is more often detected in women suffering from chronic inflammation.
• Hereditary factors. If an incidence of polycystic ovary syndrome is detected in maternal relationships, then the risk of developing the pathology in representatives of subsequent generations increases significantly.

Polycystic ovary syndrome, its symptoms and causes, as well as methods of treating this disease are an area of ​​close intertwining of gynecology, endocrinology and other areas of medicine.

Symptoms

Symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome differ in severity and nature, and have signs of nonspecificity for of this disease, therefore, treatment of this disease should begin with establishing accurate diagnosis.

The adequacy of assessing the general hormonal background and ongoing changes in the endocrine and reproductive systems depends on the results comprehensive examination carried out using laboratory and instrumental methods.

You can suspect polycystic disease if there are two most characteristic signs:

• When the cyclicity and duration of menstruation is disrupted;
• An increase in the level of androgens in the blood was detected.

Deviations in the menstrual cycle manifest themselves differently in each woman:

• the presence of heavy or scanty discharge during long (10 or more days) or, conversely, too short (only a couple of days) periods;
• increasing the duration of the cycle to 35-40 days;
• cycle irregularity, with alternating delays in the onset of menstruation from 2 to 4 months;
• complete absence of menstruation for several cycles;
• a small number of cycles throughout the year (less than 8).

• hair appears on the chest (especially in the nipple area - hirsutism), on the face (above the lip and chin);
• the breasts are somewhat reduced in size;
• the timbre of the voice changes to a lower one;
• There is hair loss on the head (with male pattern baldness, areas with frontal bald patches are formed).

Hormonal abnormalities negatively affect overall harmony, causing changes in the normal state of various elements: hair, skin, body weight, organ structure.

Physical changes undergo:

• Hair. They become brittle, thin and shiny, and quickly become oily, despite careful care. There is loss of hair above the temples, and male-pattern bald patches appear.
• Leather. The skin undergoes changes in color due to dark pigmentation, structures due to thickening of folds on the neck, chest, etc. groin area, armpits. Acne (blackheads) appears on the face, neck, back;

• Body mass. Weight begins to increase significantly while maintaining the same diet (the gain varies from 8 to 15 kg). Fat folds are formed at the level of the peritoneum, as in men (the waist “swims”).
• Changes in the reproductive organs. The appendages increase in size, which is easy to detect when gynecological examination, ultrasound reveals multiple cysts on both ovaries, although the presence of cysts in itself does not equate to polycystic disease. Pain in polycystic ovary syndrome has a constant aching character due to pressing of adjacent tissues of other organs. Pain syndrome spreads to the lower abdomen, lower back and sacrum. Sometimes, during the intermenstrual period, there are bleeding, which is due to the effect of estrogens with reduced production of progesterone. As a result, the uterine endometrial layer is not transformed secretory, as with normal cycles, but there is its thickening and hyperplasia.
• Reproductive function suffers, pregnancy cannot occur, so infertility is a serious consequence of polycystic ovary syndrome.

• Deviations from other body systems are noted in the form of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, atherosclerotic changes in blood vessels.

Diagnostic measures

The diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome cannot be made based on the fact that a woman has cystic changes on the ovaries. How to identify pathology?

For a high degree of diagnostic reliability, it is necessary to carry out a number of diagnostic measures, based on the results of which the doctor will present a complete clinical picture, will prescribe the patient treatment that corresponds specifically to the pathology of polycystic ovary syndrome. The specialist needs to exclude a number of pathologies with similar symptoms, such as a cyst of both ovaries, when the ovaries significantly increase in volume.

Women can independently discover that something is wrong with their ovarian function if they keep a chart of their cycles. Fine rectal temperature increases during the period of ovulation, but if its indicators are unchanged in all phases of the cycle, you need to go to the doctor.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is determined by ultrasound based on the presence of certain criteria. The following signs are revealed:

• there is an increase in the size of the appendages on both sides (symmetrical);
• ovarian volume exceeds 10 cm 3 ;
• ovarian stroma ( connective tissue) is characterized by increased density;
• thickening of the ovarian capsule is noted, which is attributed to reliable sign hyperandrogenism;
• small cysts are visualized in large numbers.

The ultrasound method is informative, but it alone is not enough for an accurate diagnosis. For ovarian pathology, diagnosis includes an extensive list of tests. The patient needs to be tested to detect hormone imbalance using a laboratory method. Levels are determined:

• luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones (their ratio of 3:1 is a sign of polycystic disease);
• testosterone;
• insulin;
• cortisol;
• 17-OH-progesterone;
• prolactin;
• DEA sulfate;
• hormones thyroid gland(TSH, T3, T4);
• lipid parameters (cholesterol, triglycerides).

In some cases, the method is used diagnostic laparoscopy. After completing the diagnosis, the identified “polycystic ovary syndrome” requires explanation from the doctor: what it is, the causes of its occurrence, why this condition is dangerous, what causes this syndrome, how it can manifest itself.

Treatment of polycystic ovaries

Treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome consists of comprehensive measures to establish the balance of hormones, restore normal schedule menstruation, regulation of metabolism. The manifestations of polycystic ovary syndrome in women are different, so individual ones are selected for each patient. medication courses to correct estrogen levels and reduce androgen levels.

Due to the occurrence of polycystic ovary syndrome, women cannot conceive a child, so healing process in patients planning pregnancy, must necessarily include medicines, stimulating ovulation processes. Hyperestrogenism that accompanies anovulation is corrected by courses of Zhanin, Logest, Marvelon, that is, by taking oral contraceptives.

Experts consider the effect of the drug Remens for polycystic ovary syndrome to be very effective. Its composition eliminates hormone imbalance, affecting the functions of the pituitary-hypothalamus-ovarian system, which makes it possible to restore irregularities in the menstrual cycle and leads to the gradual resorption of polycystic formations.

Hirsutism is eliminated by taking antiandrogenic drugs, and disorders in lipid metabolism are eliminated with the help of hypoglycemic agents, for example Metformin.

Treatment regimens for polycystic ovary syndrome are not universal in nature and are developed by a doctor depending on specific goals. The treatment tactics for patients who want to have more children have some differences from methods aimed at restoring menstrual cycle and getting rid of androgenization phenomena.

Auxiliary treatment in the form of vitamin therapy and antioxidants helps strengthen defense mechanisms in confronting pathology.

Polycystic ovaries in the language of professionals is called Stein-Leventhal syndrome or sclerocystic ovaries. But the name of the disease does not change its essence. Polycystic ovary syndrome is a disease of the hormonal (endocrine) system, in which the ovaries become enlarged and cavities in them grow in the form of small bubbles filled with fluid.

According to statistics, about 5-10% of women who have not reached menopause suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome. The real figure may be much higher, since many potential patients do not seek medical help and are not even aware of the presence of this pathology.

A little physiology

During the menstrual cycle, every woman develops similar small vesicles (follicles) in her ovaries. Under normal physiological conditions, in the middle of the menstrual cycle, when ovulation occurs (follicle rupture and egg release), only one egg is released from one follicle. Other follicles “overripe”, grow old and cease to exist. And with polycystic ovary syndrome, the egg does not mature and ovulation does not occur. The follicles do not rupture, but instead their cavity is filled with fluid, forming small cysts. As a result, the ovaries increase in size by 2–4 times. Polycystic ovary syndrome develops with increased production (formation) in the ovaries of male sex hormones (androgens), which normally should be produced in very small quantities. Why is this happening?

Causes of polycystic disease

Oddly enough, polycystic disease does not have one clear and precise cause. Quite often, polycystic ovary syndrome occurs with Cushing's syndrome, tumors of the adrenal glands and ovaries. But these are only diseases that contribute to the development of polycystic disease. But there is no consensus on the occurrence of polycystic disease as an independent disease. But it is known that with polycystic ovary syndrome, there is a reduced sensitivity of the body to insulin, a hormone involved in regulating blood sugar levels. Knowing this, scientists suggest that high levels of insulin in the blood lead to excess production of male sex hormones (androgens) in the ovaries.

How does polycystic ovary syndrome manifest?

The first signs of the disease can appear at any age. But polycystic disease often develops around the age of 30. This average age“debut” of polycystic disease. It can also occur during puberty. And if this happens, then the woman discovers a delay or absence of menstruation.

Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome are often overweight. They are characterized by male-type hair growth: the appearance of hair on the face and chest. Appearance patients with polycystic disease is quite specific: fatty skin, acne on the body, thinning hair or male pattern baldness, fat deposits around the waist. A symptom of the disease is heavy menstrual bleeding - prolonged and painful: it can be irregular or absent for some time. The cardiovascular system responds to a failure hormonal sphere increase blood pressure. However, most often, patients with this diagnosis are seen by a doctor because of infertility, which is also a consequence of the disease.

Since the regulation of insulin in the blood is impaired, patients may have manifestations of diabetes: obesity, increased urination, chronic skin infections, candidiasis (vaginal thrush).

How to recognize polycystic disease?

The correct diagnosis can be made by combining clinical symptoms (increased male pattern hair growth, menstrual irregularities, etc.), the results of hormonal studies (blood test for androgens, insulin, etc.) and additional methods diagnostics TO additional research Ultrasound is used to establish the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome. By using ultrasound examination The doctor is quite capable of diagnosing polycystic disease. But in most cases, you still need to use a combination of all of the above data.

What can polycystic ovary syndrome lead to?

Polycystic ovary syndrome increases the risk of developing various diseases. There is an opinion that after menopause, the symptoms of polycystic disease may disappear. And on the one hand, this is true: the primary symptoms disappear, but along with this, other diseases “generated” by polycystic disease appear. Such diseases include:

1. Diabetes mellitus type 2. Very often (up to 50%) diabetes develops in women who have reached menopause and have polycystic ovary syndrome in their “arsenal”.

2. Hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol levels). With an increase in the level of androgens in the blood, primarily testosterone, the level of low-density lipoproteins (the most dangerous form cholesterol), and this increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases (heart attacks, strokes).

3. One of the terrible consequences of polycystic ovary syndrome is endometrial (uterine) cancer. The development of uterine cancer is due to the fact that with this disease regular ovulation does not occur, and the endometrium (inner surface of the uterus) thickens, “builds up”. And excessive growth of the uterine mucosa increases the risk of developing cancer.

Is it possible to fight polycystic disease on your own?

If the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome is confirmed, then the patient can do something on her own to improve her health. For example, following a diet will help normalize insulin and cholesterol levels, as well as weight loss. And in combination with physical activity these preventive measures may have a beneficial effect on reproductive function, that is, the patient will have a chance to become pregnant.

What help can the doctor offer?

Polycystic disease can be treated in a conservative way(drug therapy) and surgically. Conservative therapy polycystic ovary syndrome involves the use hormonal drugs, stimulating follicle growth and leading to ovulation. Efficiency drug treatment reaches 50%. This type of treatment often uses oral contraceptives, which, first of all, leads to the elimination of the symptoms of the disease (increased hair growth, acne, etc.). These drugs have antiandrogenic properties, that is, they block the action of male sex hormones. They are taken for several months (2–3 months). During this period, ovulation is restored and the chance of pregnancy increases. If this method does not give positive results, they stimulate ovulation: under ultrasound control, the patient receives special hormones in the first phase of the menstrual cycle, followed by the use of drugs that stimulate ovulation. The course of treatment takes 4–6 months.

If a patient with polycystic ovary syndrome has increased body weight, weight loss measures will be required. Sometimes, with a decrease in body weight, ovulation is restored on its own.

Surgical treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome in 90% of cases allows to achieve ovulation and in 70% of cases - pregnancy. The essence surgical treatment consists of removing the part of the ovary that produces male sex hormones (androgens), which subsequently leads to the restoration of connections between regulatory centers in the brain and ovaries. The effectiveness of such operations is obvious, but the effect is short-lived: the ovary is quickly restored. Therefore, the patient is advised to become pregnant within 4–5 months after the operation.

Among the operations for the treatment of polycystic disease, wedge resection (removal of part of the ovary) is common, which allows restoring ovulation in 85% of cases, and laparoscopic electrocoagulation of the ovaries (incisions are made on the ovary using electrodes), a more gentle operation that reduces the risk of adhesions in the pelvis and subsequent infertility.

Treatment of polycystic disease begins with conservative (drug) therapy, and if there is no effect within 4–6 months, surgical intervention is resorted to.

After surgery, the effect of hormone therapy, and the chances of getting pregnant increase significantly.

Timely diagnosis and correct treatment polycystic ovary syndrome reduce the risk of complications (diabetes, cardiovascular diseases) and, importantly, increase the likelihood of pregnancy.

This kind acne occurs due to hormonal imbalance in the body - a disturbance in the exchange of male sex hormones, or androgens. They are produced in different quantities by both women and men. In individuals with androgen deficiency or reduced sensitivity to them, sebum production is reduced and hormonal acne does not occur. Insulin and insulin-like growth factor also play a certain role in the development of pathology.

In women, hormonal acne most often occurs between the ages of 30 and 50, and also appears during the premenstrual period. In men, the prevalence of this pathology is slightly lower. Juvenile acne most often has a non-hormonal cause, or it is not the leading one.

Causes and mechanism of development

Excess androgens

The body synthesizes androgen precursors. In the skin they are converted into testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. These substances stimulate the growth of skin cells and the production of sebum.

Causes of acne due to excess androgens:

• an increase in sebum secretion leads to a decrease in the concentration of linoleic acid on the skin surface, which irritates epidermal cells and promotes inflammation;
• hypersecretion of sebum leads to an increase in its viscosity and blockage of pores, which creates unfavorable conditions in sebaceous glands Oh;
• Under the influence sun rays and external contaminants, sebum substances oxidize, causing the appearance of and;
• with increased skin greasiness, favorable conditions are created for the growth of bacteria, causing inflammation.

The reasons why the synthesis of androgens in the body increases:

• polycystic ovary syndrome;
• tumors of the adrenal glands, ovaries, and in men – testicles;
• abuse of anabolic steroids during sports;
• operations to change the female to male sex.

Signs of hyperandrogenism are detected in 20-40% of women with hormonal acne. Therefore, if such a rash appears, it is necessary to contact a gynecologist and endocrinologist and undergo a thorough examination.

In addition to acne, patients usually have other signs of androgen imbalance:

• hirsutism – excessive hair growth on the chest, face, abdomen and thighs;
• sudden appearance of acne on previously healthy skin;
• ineffectiveness of conventional treatment for such pathology;
• absence or irregularity of menstruation;
• muscle enlargement, decreased voice tone;
• reduction in the size of the mammary glands;
• weight gain, initial signs diabetes mellitus

Insulin and insulin-like growth factor

Not all people experience hormonal acne with elevated levels of androgens in the blood, since this process is more closely related to the synthesis of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone from their precursors in the skin, which may not be reflected in routine blood tests for hormones. The process is enhanced by the action of insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF).

Insulin and IGF trigger a cascading hormonal response that causes increased sebum production and an increased risk of acne. There are studies showing that eating a diet limited in sugar, other carbohydrates and milk reduces the appearance of hormonal acne.

In the appearance of this skin pathology Insulin resistance also matters. This is tissue resistance to the action of insulin, as a result of which they do not receive enough glucose. To provide cells with energy, the pancreas is forced to produce more and more insulin, which, among other things, leads to the formation of acne. This mechanism is most clearly evident in people with type 2 diabetes.

Lack of estrogen and hypothyroidism

Female sex hormones - estrogens - have the opposite effect of androgens and protect the skin from hormonal acne. When there is a lack of these hormones (for example, when the ovaries are removed as a result of surgery), rashes begin to appear.

Hormone-associated rashes are also observed in patients with hypothyroidism, that is, with reduced thyroid function. It disrupts work reproductive organs and the production of estrogen, which has a negative effect on the skin.

Video about hormonal acne: Causes and symptoms

Types of hormonal acne

Acne in babies

Rashes occur in the first months of a newborn's life. They are associated with the reaction of superficially located small sebaceous glands to maternal sex hormones. Often in this case the mother suffers from acne.

Such pimples are few and far between. They look like small lumps or raised areas with a small reddened rim around them caused by inflammation. The forehead, nose, cheeks, nasolabial folds, and back of the head are mainly affected.

This is a physiological condition and does not need to be treated. It is only necessary to maintain the baby’s hygiene, bathe on time, change bed linen, and so on. A few days after its appearance, the rash disappears spontaneously.

Manifestation of the disease in adolescents

The maturing gonads in girls and boys do not always provide a normal balance of hormones in the body. As a result, there is skin rash, usually it is located in the forehead, nose and chin. With age, hormonal balance is restored, and with proper care, acne disappears in most young people. In this case, taking medications is often not necessary.

Premenstrual acne

In the first (follicular) phase of the cycle, estrogens dominate in the blood, and after ovulation their level decreases and progesterone begins to predominate. Testosterone levels remain stable throughout the cycle.

However, by reducing the “restraining” effect of estrogens before menstruation, testosterone begins to have a negative effect on the skin, and acne of hormonal etiology appears on the face, chest, and back.

Rash during menopause

At the age of 45-50 years, ovarian function begins to decline, which leads to a reduction in estrogen synthesis. As a result, the amount of androgens, which in women are produced mainly in the adrenal glands, increases relatively.

A rash may appear despite use replacement therapy hormones if it contains a large amount of progestin and a relatively small proportion of estrogens. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist to select the optimal treatment option.

Video: Acne at 20-30 years old! Treatment of acne in adults and teenagers - the difference

Hormonal acne in men

The disease usually appears only in men who take too much anabolic steroids. However, acne does not always mean high level male sex hormones.

The main cause of hormonal rashes is insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Therefore, a diet with limited carbohydrates is effective for correcting the condition.

The final question is about nature pathological condition The skin has not been studied in men, so treating hormonal acne can be quite challenging.

Rash after childbirth

After the birth of a child, the level of progesterone in a woman’s body quickly increases, and the amount of estrogen is unstable. As a result, sebum production increases and pores become clogged. Hormonal acne that occurs after childbirth is usually located on the neck and lower face, and persists for several months.

Most effective option treatment is taking birth control pills. However, they should be prescribed by a doctor, taking into account possible breastfeeding.

External manifestations

The rashes are localized in places where sebaceous glands accumulate, on the face, lower cheeks, chin and neck. These are small red formations located on a large surface of the skin. If inflammation occurs, pain appears and itching is possible.

In some cases, intense acne occurs with the formation purulent heads or deep subcutaneous cysts.

For diagnosis, examinations for hormones (estrogens, testosterone, TSH, T4 and others) are prescribed, if necessary - ultrasound of the thyroid gland, ovaries, adrenal glands, pituitary gland.

Treatment

Helps get rid of hormonal acne by reducing testosterone levels. Methods aimed at eliminating insulin resistance or increasing estrogen concentrations, as well as antiandrogens, may be useful. Additionally, a diet is required, taking certain food additives And proper care for the skin.

Drug therapy

To cure pathological rashes, it is necessary to eliminate their cause. To do this, you should carry out all diagnostic measures prescribed by your doctor.

Conservative therapy consists of taking the following medications:

• oral contraceptives containing estrogens and progesterone - reduce the production of androgens and the appearance of rash by the end of the 3rd month of use; however, after their cancellation, acne may appear again, and in even greater quantities than before treatment; It is better if in combination with ethinyl estradiol there are substances such as drospirenone, norgestimate or norethindrone;
• antiandrogens (spironolactone) – reduce the production of testosterone and the formation of dihydrotestosterone in the skin, which helps eliminate acne in 66% of women within 3 months of use; however, the medicine is not recommended for the treatment of rash in men;
• Metformin – reduces insulin resistance.

Video: Hormonal pills for Diana for acne

Oral contraceptives should not be used by women with high blood viscosity, hypertension, breast cancer, or smokers.

Diet

How to treat hormonal acne with nutrition has been studied in detail since 2002. Most harmful substances with this pathology are sugar and carbohydrates, as well as dairy products.

Nutrition rules:

• exclude sugar and easily digestible (“fast”) carbohydrates from the diet, which lead to sharp increase blood insulin concentrations;
• replace “fast” carbohydrates with foods with a low glycemic index, for example, cereals, whole grain bread;
• Fats and proteins should not be limited, but the quality composition of fats should be dominated by vegetable ones.
• Switching to such a diet reduces the appearance of rashes in 25–50% of patients. This food:
• reduces the level of testosterone and other androgens;
• reduces the production of insulin and IGF;
• increases the synthesis of proteins that bind and inactivate sex hormones;
• activates the secretion of estrogen;
• reduces the symptoms of premenstrual acne.

Dairy products are also harmful for patients with hormonal-associated acne. The following effects have been proven:

• increased levels of insulin and IGF;
• increased production of androgens in the ovaries, adrenal glands, testicles;
• increased skin sensitivity to androgens.

People who regularly consume milk are more prone to acne.

Herbal medicine and nutritional supplements

The most useful are those plants and drugs that reduce insulin levels or restore the balance of sex hormones.

The following funds can be distinguished from them:

• Vitex sacred or Abraham's tree. Products based on it are available in the form of tablets, capsules, tea and tinctures. Reduces the manifestations of premenstrual syndrome and accompanying acne, and is also useful for elevated level prolactin and irregular menstrual cycle.
• Cinnamon. Despite evidence of the effectiveness of this herb for insulin resistance, for hormonal acne the data is conflicting. It helps some patients, but not others. In any case, adding cinnamon to dishes will not harm your health, but it can reduce the severity of acne.
• Apple cider vinegar slows down the digestion process and the absorption of carbohydrates, thereby reducing the peak insulin production. Its benefits have been proven for women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Therefore, it helps some patients get rid of acne when taken orally 2 tablespoons per day.
• Mint. It has been proven that drinking 2 cups mint tea per day leads to suppression of androgen synthesis and increased estrogen production, which is beneficial for women with hormone-dependent rashes. Men should not take this drug, as it reduces potency and libido.

Nutritional supplements that will be useful for hormonal imbalances and related skin problems:

• preparations containing magnesium and calcium reduce inflammation, also enhance skin cell renewal and regulate the functioning of the sebaceous glands;
• omega-3 fatty acid contained in sea ​​fish or, for example, linseed oil, make the skin softer, even out its relief, and also rejuvenate the entire body;
• zinc and copper prevent inflammatory processes and the proliferation of bacteria;
• probiotics, essential for intestinal health, which helps the body utilize excess hormones;
• vitamins that ensure active metabolism in cells; vitamin B6 specifically prevents skin inflammation and sebum production.

Skin care

The same remedies are used as for other types of acne. In addition, there is a peculiarity - preference is given to drugs containing dihydrotestosterone blockers. This substance, as mentioned above, is formed in the skin and becomes the main cause of rashes.

• green tea;
• lotus extract;
• Argan oil;
• tea tree oil;
• sesame seed oil.

Potent dihydrotestosterone blockers - essential oils black currant, primrose, rose hips, grape seeds or hemp. Products containing olive or coconut oil should be avoided.

In addition to these medications, it is recommended to use medications to prevent complications of hormone-dependent rashes, such as infection. The drug Zinerit, containing zinc salt and erythromycin, is ideal for this purpose. It not only dries the skin and reduces the activity of the sebaceous glands, but also prevents the proliferation of bacteria on the skin surface that cause inflammation and the formation of pustules.

For moderate rashes, you can use creams containing. It is important to treat exposed skin daily, as these substances increase the risk of sunburn.

The duration of treatment is about 10 weeks. If after this period the rash has not disappeared, a second consultation with a dermatologist, gynecologist, or endocrinologist is necessary.

Additional tips to combat hormonal acne:

• do not sunbathe, in summer constantly use products with a UV filter with SPF of at least 15-30;
• wash with warm water and foam containing, for example, green tea extract, without soap, morning and evening;
• do not touch your face with dirty hands during the day;
• do not squeeze out blackheads;
• Do not cauterize with alcohol, iodine, brilliant green, or potassium permanganate.